Common symbol for Jagan, Vijayamma

The Election Commission on India on Thursday allotted a common symbol to YSR Congress Party, which is contesting in the by-elections for Kadapa Lok Sabha and Pulivendula Assembly constituencies.

The Election Commission announced that both the YSR Congress Party candidates, YS Jaganmohan Reddy and his mother YS Vijayalakhsmi have been allotted the ‘ceiling fan’ as their symbol. Voting is due for the two seats on May 8.

With the allotment of common symbol, both YS Jaganmohan Reddy and YS Vijayalakshmi have intensified their election campaign. Their supporters are now busy enlightening the voters about the party symbol.

The common symbol will go a long way to help the YSR Congress Party candidates, especially in light of the fact that many of their namesakes have filed their nomination, feels party leader and former MLC HA Rahman.

He alleged that the Congress had attempted to confuse the voters by provoking many ‘Jaganmohan Reddys’ and many ‘Vijayalakshmis’ to file nominations. Mr Rahman said that the ECI’s ruling was a like a slap on the face of the Congress.

Earlier, the Supreme Court rejected a plea by Mr Jaganmohan Reddy for allotment of a common symbol to his newly floated party 30 days in advance, instead of the usual two weeks, to fight next month's by-election.

The Apex Court had said that there was no provision under the law to make such allotment and had left the allotment of the common symbol on the discretion of the Election Commission.

After receiving directions from the Court, the Election Commission allotted common symbol for the YSR Congress Party.

With this, the YSR Congress Party has 16 days to enlighten the voters about the symbol.